t
the
United
Nations,
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason
Kenney pledged that
Canada would continue
its tradition of helping the
world’s persecuted.
During his speech to
commemorate the 60th
anniversary of the 1951
United Nations Convention Relating to the Status
of Refugees, Minister
Kenney committed, for
each of the next five years,
to contribute to an international pool of resettlement spaces that could
be drawn upon in times
of extreme urgency such

PAGE 2

as what happened when which represents 10 perthousands of refugees in cent of the United NaLibya had to flee.
tions High Commissioner
for Refugees’ (UNHCR)
“Canada will make availrequest for emergency
able 200 of our existsituations,” said Minister
ing resettlement spaces,
Kenney. “Canada is com-

Friday, December 16th, 2011

mitted to providing protection to those who need
it most, which is also why
Canada has expanded its
resettlement program by
20 percent.”
Canada will also use its
resettlement program to
respond to the protection
needs of women and girls
and victims of persecution
due to sexual orientation. To underscore this
commitment, Canada is
responding to the UN-

HCR’s request to resettle
a group of women who are
victims of sexual violence
in Haiti. Canada will resettle 40 women and their
dependents or 20 percent
of the UNHCR’s request.
Minister Kenney also noted the disturbing increase
in the number of asylum
claims from European
countries. Canada receives
more asylum claims from
the democratic European
Union than from Africa or

Punjabi Patrika

PAGE 3



Asia. The Minister called
on countries to work together with our partners
through the UNHCR to
address such flows.
Minister Kenney also confirmed Canada’s commitment to creating an Office
of Religious Freedom to
promote and protect freedom of religion and belief,
building on past Canadian
efforts and consistent with
core Canadian values such
as freedom, democracy,
human rights and the rule
of law.

“It is our common duty
to defend the rights of the
afflicted and to give voice
to the voiceless,” noted
the Minister. “Canada is
uniquely placed to protect
and promote religious
freedom around the world.
We are a country of many
ethnicities and religions,
but we all share one humanity – one of tolerance,
one of acceptance, one of
peace and security.”
Canada has one of the
most generous immigration and refugee systems
in the world. We resettle
approximately one in 10
of the world’s resettled
refugees – more than
any other industrialized
country in the world after
the United States. Since
World War II, Canadians
have provided refuge to
over one million refugees.

uring the just-past
Legislative Session,
job creation and increasing the number of
skilled immigrants to British Columbia were a major
focus of our government.
As a result of those deliberations in caucus and
at the Cabinet table, Premier Christy Clark announced in the first week
of December the creation
of the B.C. Immigration
Task Force to review key
government programs in
order to increase the number of skilled immigrants
and investors in British
Columbia.
What we now have is an
ambitious plan to create
jobs in B.C. and we will
need skilled immigrants to
help fill more than one million job openings expected
over the next decade. The
goal of the task force is to
assess all of the immigration programs currently
available to B.C., address
their effectiveness and
recommend ways to improve the current system
so that British Columbia
can successfully attract
more skilled workers every year.
The task force will be
chaired by RichmondSteveston MLA John Yap
and will be made up of
business and community
leaders. The task force will
examine the current system of economic immigration to Canada and B.C.,
including a review of: the
Provincial Nominee Pro-

PAGE 6

gram, the Federal Skilled
Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class
and the Federal Immigrant
Investor Program. The
task force will assess the
outcomes and results of all
the programs and explore
opportunities through the
New West Partnership to
increase the federal government’s responsiveness
to immigration needs in
Western Canada.

Through ESA, eligible
British Columbians are
provided with tuition-free,
group-based training at
public, post-secondary
institutions to prepare
them for entry or re-entry
into the labour force. ESA
skills training programs
are primarily focused on
preparing participants for
entry-level employment
in industries, sectors or
occupations that are curTask force members will rently experiencing or are
engage with employers, projected to experience
industry and sector asso- labour or skills shortages.
ciations, settlement service Training programs are exproviders, community as- pected to be at least three
sociations and other rel- weeks in duration, to a
evant groups.
maximum of 12 months,
The immigration task force with an emphasis on prois the first step in realizing grams that provide particiour goal of a more efficient pants with provincially or
and effective immigration industry-recognized cresystem because our gov- dentials. For occupations
ernment knows that people with established provincial
from all over the world standards for training and
with diverse skill sets and certification, training protalents want to come to our grams must follow and
province, and we want to meet those standards.
do everything we can to Participants in programs
bring them here.
must be unemployed indiWork will start immedi- viduals who have not esately and a final report to tablished an Employment
be made public will be Insurance claim in the past
submitted to the Premier three years, or five years
in the case of maternity/
by March 31, 2012.
parental leave.
In addition our government is investing more The Employment Skills
than $13 million in new Access Initiative is funded
employment skills training through the Canada-Britin regions throughout Brit- ish Columbia Labour Marish Columbia, developing ket Agreement (LMA).
training programs for a A new wave of economic
host of programs, includ- growth stimulated by the
ing such things as software BC Jobs Plan will fursystems development and ther increase the number
auto refinishing, to under- of jobs available in our
ground mining, shellfish province. The BC Jobs
aquaculture and a great Plan will ensure the over
many more.
$500 million provided anAs part of ‘Canada Starts nually for labour market
Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan’, and training programs is
over 50 skills training targeted to meeting reprograms are being deliv- gional and industry labour
ered by 20 post-secondary market needs.
institutions throughout the
province under the government’s Employment Skills
Access Initiative (ESA).
This project is funded
within government’s existing fiscal plan.

For more on this program
and the opportunities for
employment in our province, visit the BC Jobs
Plan website: http://www.
bcjobsplan.ca/

Punjabi Patrika

Friday, December 16th, 2011



PAGE 7

New Board of Education Chair,
Vice-Chair for 2012

T

he Abbotsford
Board of Education elected longserving Trustee John
Sutherland as its chair
for the coming year, and
chose newcomer Rhonda
Pauls as its vice-chair,
at its inaugural meeting
(December 5th.) Sutherland has been board chair
twice before.
In making his first speech
as the new chair, Sutherland thanked outgoing
Chair Cindy Schafer “for
four years of hard work
and commitment she
demonstrated in filling
this role,” adding “(she)
has had to sacrifice a
good deal of personal
and family time, as well
as time away from her
business, to be chair.”
He also acknowledged
support from the vicechairs over the past term,
first Joanne Field and
more recently Korky
Neufeld. “They led the
board through some very

difficult times involving
school closures, deficit
budgets, and staff turnover,” noted Sutherland.
The new chair also took
a moment to express the
thanks of the board to
outgoing trustees Joanne
Field and Uultsje DeJong.
Turning to the newly
elected board, Chair
Sutherland said “with
Trustees Cindy Schafer
and Korky Neufeld back,
along with Trustees Shirley Wilson and Preet
Rai, the public’s expression of appreciation and
trust in us is both gratifying and motivating,
and I know that these
trustees will continue
working very hard, as
they always have, to
maintain that trust.” And
on the Board’s behalf,
Sutherland welcomed
new trustees Rhonda
Pauls and Stan Petersen.
“Stan’s record of success
as a school administrator is well known” said
Sutherland, also noting
Petersen’s fundraising
and help for teachers and
students at schools in
Haiti. “And Rhonda has
been attending school
board meetings for years
as a DPAC representative. The only difference
now is that she gets to

vote for the things she
used to recommend!”
“Finland leads the world
in student outcomes,
with Alberta second,
British Columbia third
and I believe that Canada, as a country, was
sixth,” said Sutherland.
“Abbotsford’s results are
above the BC provincial
average. In my mind,
that makes Abbotsford
a world-class district.
But we can’t rest on our
laurels. Organizations
never plateau. They either continue to grow
and improve, or they
begin to slide. I believe
our team is up to the
challenge. All of the talent, professionalism and
motivation that are necessary to take Abbotsford higher is resident
in this group (board and
senior staff) of individuals. With good will and
collaboration we can
provide for all of our
students an education for
a life worth living.”
The New Board’s first
regular public meeting
will be Monday, December 12. The schedule for
the January to June, 2012
meetings, along with
committee appointments
will be announced at that
meeting.

iger Jeet Singh
Foundation Proudly
Presents the third
annual Troy’s Toy Drive
benefiting Salvation Army,
Hospital for Sick Children,
Halton Women’s Place
and McMaster Children’s
Hospital.
Following a history making TigerFest event in
Brampton, the Tigers,
Troy Newton and their
respected family & friends
are once again at it, in trying to enrich the lives of
children and the less fortunate during the holiday
season! Their 3nd annual
“Troy’s Toy Drive” takes
place on Monday, December 19th from 6 AM to 9
AM at Troy’s Diner (Best
Western Plus Milton Inn
location).

The “Tigers” at the Brampton Civic Hospital signing T-Shirts
in the company of some of the Hospital Staff including
Gurwinder K. Gill - Director, Diversity Services (right)
PAGE 10

Friday, December 16th, 2011

double that number. The
objective of Troy’s Toy
Drive is to promote the
spirit of giving among
all faiths and religions.
As proud Canadians it
gives individuals that do
not celebrate the holidays
religiously an opportunity
to share with those that
do. Donations collected
will go towards supporting
The past two toy drives families and patients of all
have brought in close to faiths and religious beliefs.
$100,000 worth in dona- Breakfast will be served,
tions and this year, Troy’s carols will be sung, autoToy Drive is hoping to graphs and pictures will

be taken with wrestling’s
living legend Tiger Jeet
Singh, Canada’s most famous hockey dad Walter
Gretzky, wrestling superstar Tiger Ali Singh, hockey legend Johnny Bower
and Breakfast Television’s
host Jennifer Valentyne.
“Troy’s Toy Drive” will
once again be aired live
on Breakfast Television on
CityTV. Live performances will be made by recording artist Prita Chhabra,
and a host of many others.

Punjabi Patrika

Friday, December 16th, 2011



Holiday lighting tips
for a bright, safe and
energy-efficient season!

P

art of the charm and tradition of the holiday season are
the lights: colourful twinkling
lights brightening up the long
nights and lighting up people’s homes.
With that in mind, BC Hydro is offering some helpful tips on how to enjoy a
bright, safe and energy-efficient holiday
season.

•

Keep electrical connections off the
ground. Use eave clips or insulated
staples, rather than nails and tacks,
to hold light strings in place.

•

Keep wiring clear of metal parts such
as ornamental railings and drainpipes, to prevent any risk of shock
from an electrical current.

•

Turn off your holiday lights before
going to bed, and never leave lights
on when you are away from home,
unless they are connected to a timer
or photocell.

•

Take down your lights after the
holidays! Don’t leave them up
year-round. Cords and bulbs will
deteriorate, reducing their safety and
shortening their life.

Choose LED seasonal lights. LED lights
last 10 times longer than incandescent
lights, are more durable, and don’t heat
up making them safer to use. Decorating If you’re using a real tree:
with LED bulbs is 90% more efficient
than using incandescent bulbs. If you • Keep your tree fresh by sawing off
an inch or two from the trunk base
have your lights up all December for
at an angle. Immediately place the
an average of 6 hours a day, you could
tree in a water-filled, no-tip stand
save over $20 by using LEDs versus
and regularly check to make sure the
incandescent bulbs.
tree stand always has plenty of water.
Tips for outdoor lights:
• Unplug the lights before watering
• Use Canadian Standards Association
the tree.
(CSA)-approved lights, cords, plugs
and sockets that are marked for out- • Keep cords and lights away from
the water.
door use or wet locations.
• Be careful with the ladder! Get • Keep a fire extinguisher handy and
your smoke detectors in good worksomeone to hold the bottom of the
ing order.
ladder so that it doesn’t move or

•

secure your ladder by tying it off and If you’re using an artificial tree:
staking it to the ground.
• Make sure your artificial tree is not
Before you put light strings on a
flammable.
shrub, tree or your house, check them
for breaks or signs of deterioration. • Keep metallic trees away from electrical cords or plugs.
Replace any light strings with frayed
cords or loose connections.

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Punjabi Patrika


Friday, December 16th, 2011

New RCMP Commanding Officer for B.C. Appointed

T

he Province has announced another milestone
reflecting its new partnership with the RCMP
and its strengthened commitment to accountable policing: the appointment of Craig Callens as the RCMP’s new commanding officer in B.C.
Callens, who joined the RCMP in 1985, has served in
northern B.C. and Lower Mainland communities. He

has worked on major crime investigations including
homicides, and in senior, commanding roles. Most
recently, he served as criminal operations officer for
“E” Division and acting commanding officer.
Senior ministry officials headed the selection process
leading to Callens’s appointment. The Province sought
a new commanding officer accountable to British

Columbians. The officials interviewed top candidates
before the Solicitor General approved the selection
of Callens.
His appointment follows other recent, significant
changes related to police leadership and accountability:
• The RCMP’s new commissioner, Bob Paulson,
has vowed to promote faster, decisive discipline
in cases of officer misconduct, as well as a zerotolerance approach in response to recent allegations of sexual harassment within the force.
• On Dec. 7, Richard Rosenthal became B.C.’s first
chief civilian director for independent investigations of police incidents that result in serious harm
or death. Rosenthal has served in a similar role in
Denver, Colorado since 2005 and was previously a
deputy district attorney for 15 years. B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office will work to ensure
more accountability, oversight and transparency
in the investigation of these incidents.
• B.C. is now reviewing a draft agreement-inprinciple for a new RCMP contract. The Province
sought a new agreement to strengthen public
confidence in police and accountability to communities served. The draft agreement would see
the Province and Canada jointly oversee how the
RCMP delivers police services. It also includes
measures to monitor and contain costs over time.
Quotes:
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley
Bond –
“I am confident that Commanding Officer Callens has
the right experience and vision to follow through on
the important priorities that we in B.C. have identified
as critical to the future of the RCMP as our provincial
police service.”
“Commanding Officer Callens brings a wealth of experience across B.C. and across the RCMP. The selection
process provided a great opportunity to collaborate
with the RCMP, and I look forward to working with him
on B.C.’s policing priorities going forward.”
Quick Facts:
• B.C.’s new Independent Investigations Office is expected to be operational by mid-2012. Rosenthal’s immediate responsibility as director is to head the creation
of the office and the investigative team he will lead.
• The draft agreement-in-principle for a new RCMP
contract includes new management provisions, a
two-year opt out clause and a five-year review. B.C.
continues its review of the draft agreement.
• The Province will develop a plan to engage the public
on policing priorities in the New Year, consistent with
the Premier’s related platform commitment.

PAGE 12

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Punjabi Patrika


PAGE 13

Premier Appoints New
Immigration Task Force

P

nadian Experience Class and the Federal
Immigrant Investor Program. The task
force will assess the outcomes and results
of all the programs and explore opportunities through the New West Partnership
to increase the federal government’s
responsiveness to immigration needs in
“We’ve laid out an ambitious plan to creWestern Canada.
ate jobs in the BC Jobs Plan and we will
need skilled immigrants to help fill more Task force members will engage with
than one million job openings expected employers, industry and sector associaover the next decade,” said Premier tions, settlement service providers, comChristy Clark. “The goal of this task munity associations and other relevant
force is to assess all of the immigration groups.
programs currently available to B.C., address their effectiveness and recommend “The immigration task force is the first
ways to improve the current system so step in realizing our goal of a more effithat British Columbia can successfully cient and effective immigration system,”
attract more skilled workers every year.” said Yap. “We know that people from all
over the world with diverse skill sets and
The task force will be chaired by Rich- talents want to come to our province,
mond-Steveston MLA John Yap and will and we want to do everything we can to
be made up of business and community bring them here so they can make British
leaders. The task force will examine the Columbia their new home.”
current system of economic immigration
to Canada and B.C., including a review Work will start immediately and a final
of: the Provincial Nominee Program, the report to be made public will be submitFederal Skilled Worker Program, the Ca- ted to the Premier by March 31, 2012.
remier Christy Clark announced
the creation of the B.C. Immigration Task Force to review key government programs in order to increase
the number of skilled immigrants and
investors in British Columbia.

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

PAGE 14

Punjabi Patrika


Friday, December 16th, 2011

Punjabi Patrika

Friday, December 16th, 2011

A RHYTHMIC REMEMBRANCE 2011

sual Arts. They will be
followed by the highlight
of the event consisting
of the artists: Gagandeep
Singh (Vocal), Amarjeet
pm. It is open to any that Singh (Tabla), and Mohan
hold interest in live per- Bhide (Harmonium).
formances as this will be
a delight. The event will Gagandeep Singh (a leadfeature three groups of ing disciple of the great
Tabla Ensembles who will maestro Pandit Yashpal Ji
perform Tabla Solo’s to of Agra Gharana) holds a
enlighten the audience in Masters in Music (Vocal)
the way of rhythm. The from Punjab University in
ensembles are composed
by students of Amarjeet
Singh at Naad Centre
for Performing and Vi-

An Evening of Classical Music (Vocal)

O

n the Saturday
of December
17th, 2011
Naad Foundation will be hosting the
annual Remembrance in
memory of Tabla Maestro
Guru Thakur Kishan Singh
(Benares Gharana). They
were greatly renowned
in the Indian Classical
Community and were
an influential teacher for

many aspiring artists and
Amarjeet Singh was one of
those students. They held
an endearing relationship
and for this reason Amarjeet Singh takes out time
every year to give back
in the form of a musical
concert.
This year it will be held
at the Crossroads United
Church, Delta B.C. at 6:30

PAGE 15


Chandigarh. He has been
learning since the age of
3 and has since developed
a beautiful voice that can
weave the audience into
bliss. Amarjeet Singh has
a Masters in Music (Tabla)
and has learned from many
renowned artists including
the late Guru Ji. He has
performed with many different forms of music and
has great knowledge of the

art while always winning
the hearts of audiences’.
Mohan Bhide has also been
learning since his childhood and has performed
with many well-known artists from India and abroad
to the delight of many.
Together they will form
a trio capable of bending
rhythms and melodies into
pleasing and heartwarming
compositions.

“After my accident I had constant neck and back pains. I felt sad most of the time and became very anxious about
the future. ICBC said I was overreacting and offered $17,000. My case settled for $400,000 at mediation.” – MR. S.

CM

MY

“The damage to my car was only $700. ICBC said I could not have been injured; but I was. My lawyer finalized my
claim for $28,000 plus expenses.” – MISS M.

CY

CMY

K

“ICBC offered me $32,000 to finish my case. I was off work for 6 months and saw a specialist because of my jaw
injury. I couldn’t mop the floor or clean our bathroom without help from my children. I received $200,000 through
my lawyer’s efforts.” – MRS. S.
“The damage to my vehicle was about $1,700. ICBC said this was a Low Velocity Impact (LVI) and refused to pay me for
my injuries and physio costs. My lawyer obtained more than $45,000 for me.” – MRS. B.
“A car hit me as I walked across the street. ICBC blamed me because of the colour of my clothing. My lawyer worked
hard and obtained necessary evidence. My case settled for over $300,000.” – MRS. C.
*Past cases are not necessarily indicative of future results and amounts recovered may vary according to the facts in each case.

www.slglawyers.com
An Association of Independent Lawyers & Law Corporations

hree Canadian Forces senior officers in Canadian Military Forces: A Proud Legacy,
have been recognized among Canada’s and that legacy continues today.”
top 100 most powerful women for 2011
The three senior officers were selected from a
by the Women’s Executive Network.
pool of female business and community leadCanada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 ers, academics, artists, educators and health
is Canada’s most recognizable award for the care providers as representatives of achievecountry’s highest achieving female leaders in
the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

ment and success in Canada. “Rear-Admiral
Bennett, Major-General Whitecross and
Colonel Carignan have gained some very
well-deserved public recognition for their
exemplary service to Canada. This is another
clear signal to the next generation of Canadian
women that the Canadian Forces is an excellent

career choice where professionalism, integrity
and personal drive are highly valued traits,”
said General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the
Defence Staff. “I am extremely proud of their
leadership and commitment to the Canadian
Forces, and to Canadian society as a whole.”

“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to
Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, to MajorGeneral Christine Whitecross and to Colonel Jennie
Carignan for their career achievements and for
their dedication to the Canadian Forces,” said
the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of
National Defence. “These women have defined
their careers with the Canadian Forces and their
status amongst Canadians through a strong
work ethic, integrity, vision and loyalty ? a commitment to the values Canadians hold dear.”
Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves
and Cadets, received an award under the Public
Sector Leaders category, while Major-General
Christine Whitecross, Chief of Staff-Assistant
Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), and Colonel Jennie Carignan, Chief
of StaffJoint Task Force Central/Land Force
Central Area, both received an award under the
Trailblazers and Trendsetters category.
“As these awards make clear, women form
a rich and vibrant part of Canada’s military
legacy,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose,
Minister of Public Works and Government
Services and Minister for Status of Women.
“The theme for Women’s History Month 2011,
which we celebrated in October, was Women

n early December,
B.C. taxpayers got
to meet Mike Corrigan, the new President and CEO of BC
Ferries. Let’s hope this
new boss is nothing like
his old boss, the freespending, million-dollar
man David Hahn.
Corrigan, formerly BC
Ferries’ second-in-command, was promoted to
the top job by the BC
Ferries Board of Directors this week, who also
limited his compensation
package to 60 per cent
of what Hahn earned.
Of course, that’s about
$600,000 annually that
Corrigan will be paid.
You’ll have to forgive
taxpayers for not throwing a parade along the
Inside Passage following this announcement—$600,000 is still a
hefty amount of money to
run a heavily-subsidized

PAGE 22

operation like BC Ferries. Just six years before
Hahn joined the million
dollar club, the same job
earned him a much more
reasonable $228,239.
If ever there was a time
for significant change at
BC Ferries, it is now. The
corporate culture created
by Hahn has turned what
was once a profitable
operation into a moneyloser. His vision of BC
Ferries as a boutique tourist operation does not fit
with British Columbians’
view that ferries are an
extension of the highway
system. Tourists are nice,
but they shouldn’t be the
focus; moving people and
goods should be.
On Hahn’s watch, BC
Ferries fell from a $49.9
million profit in 2006 to
a projected $20+ million
loss this year. Moreover,
the corporation has run

The average user has
been priced off the ferry,
despite the corporation’s
$150 million annual subsidy from B.C. taxpayers.

up its debt load to an esti- a year—putting them in
mated $1.3 billion.
the top five per cent of all
Canadian income earnBut Hahn still earned $1.2 ers. While families and
million a year and will seniors were struggling
start retired life with an to pay ferry rates that
annual pension valued at increased between 45
$315,000.
and 80 per cent over eight
Hahn seemed tone-deaf years, Hahn was approvto what British Colum- ing million dollar ad conbians are experiencing tracts at Rogers Arena.
in terms of the global One of Hahn’s final acts
recession. While wages was to double the fuel
were frozen and jobs were surcharge to five per cent,
being lost in the private making it even more exsector, 60 per cent of pensive for B.C. residents
BC Ferries’ employees and businesses to take the
earned more than $89,000 ferry.

As fares have skyrocketed, passenger trips are
down 2.9 per cent this
year and vehicle trips
down 3.4 per cent, as
drivers cut any discretionary travel plans. To stop
the bleeding, BC Ferries
is trying to convince the
provincial government
to allow them to cut 400
sailings a year on their
major routes.
This is the mess Corrigan
has inherited from his old
boss: slumping ridership,
a bloated debt, growing
expenses and a public that
looks at BC Ferries’ operating philosophy with
disdain.
Corrigan announced at his
hiring that he wouldn’t replace himself as Chief

Operating Officer, which
he said should save BC
Ferries about $600,000
a year. That is a positive,
albeit small, step forward.
The bigger battle for Corrigan will be to undo
many of the decisions of
the Hahn era and rebuild
the public’s confidence in
our ferry system.
Ferries are a vital necessity in British Columbia.
Many of our communities
are completely dependent on having a robust,
fairly-priced, well-run
ferry system. Vancouver
Island’s economy needs
a good, reliable, inexpensive transportation link
to the Mainland. This is
the life-blood of many
families in our province
and hopefully Mike Corrigan’s BC Ferries will
get back to putting those
taxpayers’ needs ahead of
lining their own corporate
pockets.

Punjabi Patrika

Friday, December 16th, 2011



PAGE 23

FIRE RESCUE SERVICE IMPROVES
RURAL INSURANCE RATES
Many Abbotsford residents living in rural • within 305 meters (1000 feet) of a fire
areas are now eligible to receive a signifihydrant with a minimum flow rate of
cant cost reduction in their fire insurance
200 gallons per minute in addition to
rates from the majority of insurers in
domestic supply.
Canada, announced Fire Chief Don Beer
Commercial Properties
this morning.
A key objective of the Abbotsford Fire • located within 5 km (3 miles) of a
responding fire station and;
Rescue Service Master Plan was to improve fire protection for rural areas and
this has been achieved through accreditation in “Superior Tanker Shuttle Service”.
“Superior Tanker Shuttle Service” is an
accredited systematic process that utilizes
water tankers to transport water from a
source location to the fire scene and is recognized as an equivalency to fire hydrant
protection.

•

within 150 meters (500 feet) of a fire
hydrant with a minimum flow rate of
400 gallons per minute in addition to
domestic supply.

All personal and commercial properties
within the urban core that meet both these
requirements are afforded a significant
reduction in property insurance. Many
properties in the rural areas previously
“During a review of the City’s fire insur- were not able to meet these minimum
ance rating, Fire Underwriter’s Survey requirements based on the location of the
(FUS) officials recognized that Abbotsford nearest fire hydrant.
Fire Rescue Service had an excellent process in place for addressing fires in rural “The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service conlocations,” said Beer. “FUS advised us that, ducted test runs under the observation of
if accreditation for this type of alternate FUS officials,” said Beer. “We were able
water supply could be achieved, local to achieve accreditation by demonstrating
property owners would then be eligible that we can provide residents with the
for improved fire insurance rates similar required access to an alternate supply of
to those with municipal-type water supply water 24 hours per day and 365 days of
the year and exceed the required water
systems.”
flow rate and duration for water supply.”
Fire insurance ratings are based on many
factors; however two of the main require- As a result of this accreditation many
ments for personal and commercial proper- commercial and personal property owners
outside the urban core may be eligible for
ties are as follows:
improved insurance rates.
Personal Properties
Residents are encouraged to contact their
• located within 8 km (5 miles) of re- personal insurance providers to determine
sponding fire station and;
if their properties are now located within
the improved fire protection areas.

Quick action by resident averts major fire

A

t 05:30 pm on
Tuesday, December 06,
2011, the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service (AFRS) responded to
a kitchen fire in a residence
on Godson Court.
Fire crews arrived to find
smoke and a small fire
in the kitchen cupboards
and were able to quickly
extinguish the fire using
portable extinguishers.
The resident had been
preheating cooking oil in

a wok on the stove and
left it unattended for a
short period of time. The
oil ignited and the ensuing fire quickly extended
to the hood fan and cupboards directly above the
stove. The resident took
the best possible action
by smothering the fire in
the wok using a pot lid
and then calling 911. Her
actions, combined with
a quick response by Abbotsford firefighters kept
the fire from becoming a
major loss.

The Abbotsford Fire
Rescue Service reminds
citizens that unattended
cooking is the number one
cause of house fires and
during this busy holiday
season, we all need to be
especially vigilant.
As a result of this incident,
the AFRS has replaced
one green bulb with red
on their holiday wreath
outside Firehall #1.
Damage from this incident
is estimated at approximately $6000.

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

Punjabi Patrika


Friday, December 16th, 2011

Provincial Nominee Program is Another
Fast Track Immigration Option
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are accepting
more immigrants than ever.
CIC plans to admit approximately 40,000 immigrants
under the PNP in 2011
The PNP allow provinces
to nominate individuals
who wish to immigrate to
Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Provincial
Nomination is an important
fast-track option to Canadian Permanent Residency.
Each Canadian province
and one territory have their
own unique PNP.
Requirements for each PNP
differ as the programs are
tailored to meet the province’s/territory’s specific
needs. Provinces select
nominees based on current
labour needs and select applicants who will be able
to effectively contribute to
the community. Applicants
who apply through the PNP
must first receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate

PAGE 24

from the province or territory. Once a nomination is
successful, an application
must be made to CIC for a
Permanent Residence Visa.
Many applicants who do
not qualify for the Federal
Skilled Worker Program
may be surprised to learn
that they may qualify for
a Provincial Nominee
Program. Although the
Federal Skilled Worker
Program only accepts applicants who have eligible
skilled work experience or
a skilled job offer from a
Canadian employer, many
of the PNPs accept applicants who have work
experience considered as
semi-skilled. For example,
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program BC Immigrant Nominee Program,
Saskatchewan Immigrant
Nominee Program, etc
have their semi-skilled
Categories..
New rules were introduced
in April 2011 to the Tempo-

rary foreign Worker Program and requirements for
both potential employees
and Canadian employers have become stricter.
Foreign workers who need
to apply for a Canadian
Temporary Work Permit
and Canadian employers
who need to hire foreign
workers are encouraged to
use an experienced Immigration consultant/lawyer
to avoid making costly
mistakes.
As the Federal Skilled
Worker Program is accepting fewer applications this
year, many applicants will
have to find new programs
in which to qualify for
Canadian Permanent Residency and the Provincial
Nominee Programs can
provide a great opportunity
for those applicants.
Advance Immigration
Solutions Inc.
Rupinder Aulakh

Canadian household net worth declined by 2.1%
worth was $180,100 in the quarter, down The total value of household assets
from $184,700 in the previous quarter declined 1.4% ($109 billion) in Q3
and $185,900 in Q1 which had marked as weakness in financial asset vala record high.
cont’d on page 30

T

he market value of Canadian
household net worth declined by
2.1% ($134 billion) in the third
quarter of 2011 to $6.2 trillion.
The deterioration of household balance
sheets follows the 0.3% ($19 billion)
decline seen in the previous quarter that
pulled net worth from the record high seen
in first quarter of this year. Per capita net

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

PAGE 28

Punjabi Patrika


Friday, December 16th, 2011

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Punjabi Patrika


PAGE 29

PAGE 29

Punjabi Patrika

PAGE 30

cont’d from page 27

ues more than offset the
continued strength from
non-financial assets. The
market value of household
financial assets (which
include equities, bonds
and pension assets) fell
3.6% ($157 billion) as the
S&P/TSX composite price
index plunged 12.6% in
the quarter. Non-financial
assets provided a partial
offset to this decline, rising
1.4% ($48 billion) from
the levels seen in Q2/11
as Canada’s housing mar-

PAGE 30



ket strength continued to
support real estate values
(real estate accounts for
87% of the asset class) in
the quarter.
One the other side of the
ledger, total household
liabilities grew by 1.5%
($24 billion) to $1.6 trillion. Credit market debt
(which includes mortgages, consumer credit
and loans only and accounts for 99% of liabilities) growth moderated to
1.6% in the quarter, down

from 1.9% in the previous
period. The expansion of
credit balances was led by
a $25 billion (1.6%) increase in mortgage debt reflecting continued strength
in housing market activity while consumer credit
& loans expanded by $6
billion (1.0%). The combination of the continued
growth in credit market
debt and the decline in
both assets and net worth
resulted in the household
credit market debt-to-asset
and credit market debt-

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Accounts indicates that
the federal government’s
move to tighten mortgage rules earlier in the
year made some headway in curbing the growth
in household liabilities,
which posted its slowest
annual pace of accumulation since Q1/02 at 6.1%
in Q3. That said, credit
growth continues to outpace the growth of disposable income while the
continued financial market
Today’s release of the turmoil has weighed on
National Balance Sheet the asset side of the balto-net worth ratios rising
to 20.1% and 25.2%, respectively (from 19.5%
and 24.4%, respectively
in Q2), each representing
a record high. Further,
with personal disposable
income holding flat in
the quarter, the oft-cited
household credit market
debt-to-personal disposable income ratio also
established a new record
high at 150.8%.

ance sheet, resulting in
further deterioration in
household leverage ratios.
The Bank of Canada once
again noted in the recent
release of the Financial
System Review, as well
as yesterday’s speech by
Governor Carney, that
the rising indebtedness
of Canadian households
has weakened their overall financial position and
increased vulnerability to
adverse economic shocks
such as decline in home

Friday, December 16th, 2011

prices or a deterioration of only a modest cooling of
labour market conditions. real estate markets and the
(eventual) stabilization of
We expect credit growth the financial markets will
to continue to moderate go some way to improving
over the forecast horizon, household finances and
which combined with our help to ensure that these
expectation of only mod- risks do not materialize.
est increases in interest
rates starting in the sec- a.. Canadian household net
ond half of 2012 should worth declined by 2.1%
keep the costs of servicing ($134 billion) in Q3/11 to
the elevated debt loads $6.2 trillion.
manageable. As well, our
expectation of continued b.. Financial assets fell
improvement of Canadian 3.6% resulting from the
labour market conditions, weakness in financial markets in the quarter while

Punjabi Patrika


PAGE 31

non-financial assets increased by 1.4%.
c.. The combination of
rising credit market debt
(+1.5%) and the declines
in both assets and net
worth pushed the household credit market debtto-asset and net worth
ratios up to record highs
of 20.1% and 25.2%, respectively.
David Onyett-Jeffries
Economist, (416) 974-6525

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

Punjabi Patrika


Friday, December 16th, 2011

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO
CREATE CANADA–INDIA RESEARCH
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

T

he Honourable Gary
Goodyear, Minister
of State (Science
and Technology), today
launched the competitive
process for the new Canada–India Research Centre
of Excellence. This competition will support one
centre with $15 million in
funding over five years to
strengthen research collaboration between Canada
and India.

“Global connections between universities and colleges drive research and innovation, which ultimately grow the knowledge
economy,” said Minister
of State Goodyear. “That
is why our government is
proud to launch the new
Canada–India Research
Centre of Excellence.”
The successful team will
receive $3 million annually, over five years, to
create partnerships that

PAGE 32

accelerate the exchange of
research results between
Canada and India in areas
of strategic importance to
both countries. Funding
for the $15-million initiative, administered through
the Networks of Centres of
Excellence program, was
announced in the 2011
federal budget.

The new centre is expected
to take advantage of existing partnerships to more
rapidly achieve results that
can be applied to productivity, economic growth or
public policy and improve
the quality of life in both
countries. Building on
the government’s wider
strategy to increase ties
between Canada and India and enhance Canada’s
international role as a research leader, the centre
will also provide training
opportunities for students
in both countries.

“Finding solutions to today’s research challenges
calls for a collaborative
approach that transcends
international borders,”
said Suzanne Fortier,
Chair of the Networks
of Centres of Excellence
Steering Committee and
President of the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
Canada. “Our world is
very interconnected, and
successful research has
to cultivate partnerships
wherever talent and resources are found.”
The Networks of Centres
of Excellence program
forges partnerships between universities, industry, government and notfor profit organizations.
Its goal is to turn Canadian
research and entrepreneurial talent into economic
and social benefits for all
Canadians.

“Our Government is proud to invest
in Chilliwack’s next-generation gas
extraction system, a project that will
contribute to the economy and improve
the environment through innovative
technologies,” said Mark Strahl, MP for
Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon, on behalf of
the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Through programs like Canada’s
Gas Tax Fund, we are supporting key
infrastructure projects that create local
jobs and enable our communities to
continue to grow and prosper.”

Unique gas extraction system
will improve air quality
hanks to $3.5 million from the
federal Gas Tax Fund, residents
across the region will benefit from
improved air quality with the ad dition
of a new gas extraction system at the
Bailey Landfill.

In addition to innovative gas extraction technology, this project will see
the design and construction of a trench
network in the southern and northeast
areas of the site between 2011 and 2014.
This project will result in cleaner air by
reducing air pollution and helping lower
greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is an example of how the Gas Tax
Fund is supporting innovative technology, in this case helping to deal with
methane gas from the landfill,” said
Barry Penner, MLA for ChilliwackHope. “I hope that someday a way can be
found to use the gas rather than simply
flaring it.”
“Thanks to our federal and provincial
governments and the UBCM, this grant
from the Gas Tax Fund will cover the
full estimated cost of the project,” said
Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “This
new system will help reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and improve air quality
across the region, both of which are
priorities for Chilliwack residents.”
The Gas Tax Fund is a tripartite agreement between Canada, British Columbia
and the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities (UBCM) that delivers
infrastructure funding to local governments primarily for capital projects
that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water
or reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Each year, the Government of Canada
provides $2 billion from the Gas Tax
Fund to municipalities across Canada.
UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund
in British Columbia in collaboration
with Canada and British Columbia. On
October 4, 2011, the Government of
Canada tabled legislation to ensure the
Gas Tax Fund will provide permanent
funding to municipalities beyond 2014.
“There is broad support for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions from local government operations, but there
is a cost to achieving this goal,” said
UBCM President Heath Slee. “Local
governments in BC appreciate federal
investment through the Gas Tax Fund to
fund green technology for our facilities.”

n December 9,
Raj Hundal, NDP
Candidate for Surrey-Tynehead attended
the “Stuff the Bus” event
organized by the Surrey
Christmas Bureau at the
Comfort Inn and Suites in
Surrey.
The Surrey Christmas Bureau assists hundreds of
low-income families with
children under the age of
16. Through the Hamper and Adopt-A-Family
programs these families
receive food certificates,
toys, gifts, warm clothing and household items.
In addition, the Surrey
Christmas Bureau matches
sponsors with nearly 250
families who have children
with unique challenges and
considerations. As Surrey
continues to grow, and as
the economy’s instability
lingers, each year there is
a greater need for the ser-

vices they provide. Roop
Kooner, General Manager
of Comfort Inn and Suites
in Surrey accepted unwrapped toys, gifts, warm
clothing and household
items at the hotel.
Raj Hundal said, “Surrey
Christmas Bureau in collaboration with Comfort
Inn and Suites must be applauded for their continuing efforts and hard work
in the community.”

“The donations provide
much needed help for
families in need,” said
Raj Hundal.
“It is with great pleasure
that I extend my personal
thanks to the organizers for
putting this together,” said
Raj “this kind of initiative
will have a tremendous
impact on families and
their children.” ■

You may not have much choice when it
comes to changes somebody else wants to
make. Nor may you fully understand why. It
might seem unrealistic or overly romantic
to you. They will be determined, so best
you go along with it. Eventually a more
balanced perspective of future possibilities
will emerge with benefits attached.

Relationships with others can take a new
path. This could bring new friends into your
life or involve you with a different group of
people that will have an expanding effect.
There can be dominance associated with
others. Don’t be afraid to question any level
of obligation expected of you. Ensure your
wishes are taken into account.

Work required of you won’t ease up so you
will have to find ways of weaving social
activity into this somehow. Contact from
others will increase to mid January. There
could be some surprises but be careful you
do not allow this to put extra pressure on
you that won’t be of much value. You need
to be selective about what you do.

There can be new pleasures in store for you
this Christmas. You are in a good position
to act as you want but it might mean you
need to muster some braveness to do so.
The reactions you get can be surprising
and not necessarily negative. This can be
part of opening up a whole new world with
many future possibilities.

A new pattern of activity can establish itself
this Christmas with the family. Your level of
personal obligation needs to be carefully
considered, especially if you are tempted
to take on more. Others can be determined
to do things their way and this could put
pressure on what you wish to establish.
Sort this out with discussion.

You can find yourself amongst more
people and something about it could feel
like the past. Things that are normally not
discussed could be, giving you even more
to analyse later. To mid January you need
to concentrate on getting things in place that
involve other people, including family, that
will create a secure, balanced basis.

You need to be practical about the money
you spend by thinking about just how
long any pleasure would last as a result.
Something associated with generating
income would be a better choice. This could
mark the beginning of gaining pleasure in a
different way. You might also need to look
at what benefits health.

The New Moon is in your sign on Christmas
Day, bringing new beginnings to you
personally and very likely a new routine for
these celebrations in your life into the future.
The day itself should be highly pleasurable
and perhaps reminding you of the past in
some way. At the basis though there is
something very different.

Venus moves into your sign where it will
stay until mid January. Focus on whatever
gives you a sense of personal peace or
balance. If you need more rest, have more
rest. Don’t feel guilty about making these
decisions. If you don’t take responsibility of
this, no one else will. Spend some money
on yourself. It will do wonders.

Involvement in a new group of people can
be mentally stimulating even though there
can be a lot you know you are unaware of.
Be vague towards any pressure applied
to take on certain obligations and it will
pass. You could unexpectedly come across
something you have always wanted. It can
now become your choice.

This could be one of the best Christmas’s
you have had in a while. Pleasure is limitless,
which probably means you will indulge way
too much. Think of the waistline as weight
will go on easily but will not be so easy to
remove. Don’t worry about those who are
mysterious – that will move on. It could be
more about freedom than anything else.

You can start to have some fun, although
as one type of responsibility begins to
lessen, another can take over and this can
be something you don’t expect. Contact
with friends or involvement with a group of
people can certainly be enjoyable as well
as having big differences from one situation
to another. Variety is the spice of life.

Yash Chopra recently received an award
conferred on him by the Madhya Pradesh
government in the memory of Kishore
Kumar, on the occasion of the singer's birth
anniversary.

"Hey guys, most excited to share with
y'all that we have finally chosen a name
for our baby boy...Azad. Azad Rao
Khan. I left the final choice to Kiran, and
she has named him after my great grand
uncle Maulana Azad, the great freedom
fighter, whom the family is most proud
of," Aamir revealed on social networking site Facebook.

The award was given to him for making
socially relevant films for so many years.
It was naturally an overwhelming moment
for the thespian as he recalled the time he
had worked with the late singer. Past recipients of the prestigious award have been
Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, Shyam
Benegal and Amitabh Bachchan.

prochement with Abhay Deol, says she has
always been in touch with him

On Saturday, Mumbai Mirror reported how
Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol were all
set to work together yet again in Rajkumar
Santoshi's next. And while, many thought that
this was a big step for the young actors since
their fallout after the release of Aisha, Sonam
herself revealed that it wasn't her but her father
who was upset with Abhay's unsavoury remarks
about him. In fact, Sonam told Mumbai Mirror that she always thought Abhay was 'the
most talented actor' and that they had stayed
in touch even when 'he was in Spain shooting
for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'.

Priyanka Chopra proud
of sister Parineeti
Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra
can`t stop showering praise on her
cousin Parineeti`s performance in
her debut film "Ladies v/s Ricky
Bahl".
"Proud of my baby sis Parineeti
Chopra! u go girl! More Power to
the Chopras!!" Priyanka wrote on
microblogging site Twitter.
In the film, Ranveer cons girls for
a living but finally finds his right
match in Anushka Sharma. Apart
from Anushka and Parineeti, the film
also stars Aditi Sharma and Dipannita Sharma.

She is producing one film each
with Riteish Deshmukh and
Genelia D'Souza and wants
to finish them off before their
d-day.
It's common knowledge now
that Riteish Deshmukh and
Genelia D'Souza will be tying
the knot next year. While the
marriage date is not declared
as yet, if sources are to be
believed, it would be around
February 2012.

Jha to direct Rangam
remake

While there have
been reports that K
V Anand is likely to
remake one of this
year's blockbusters,
"Rangam", which
was "Ko" in Tamil,
with Ranbir Kapoor
in Bollywood.

We learn that it
will be filmmaker
Prakash Jha who
has been signed on
to direct the Hindi
version. The producers of "Rangam" of the film to a Bollywood
had sold the rights producer who has firmed

Impaired Driving: Some drivers still need
reminding over the holiday season
Be a Good Host - Make sure your friends live to remember
the good cheer. Have a variety of alcohol-fee beverages like
pop, juice, coffee, tea or even trendy “mocktails” on hand.
Make sure some of the guests have agreed to be designated
drivers and will not consume any alcohol. If you are concerned that any of your guests are impaired, call a taxi or
offer the spare bed or the couch. A disagreement over safety
with a friend is better than risking the alternative.

Call Home Anytime - Young people like Christmas parties,
too. Often they don’t want to admit that they or their friends
drink or use drugs if it means their parents will be angry. To
them it’s worth the risk to drive or ride with a driver who is
impaired. A “family contract” agrees that the kids can call
home at any hour for a safe ride home.

Drug Impairment – Be aware of anyone who is impaired by
Role Modelling – Parents, remember your kids watch and something other than alcohol, whether it’s medications or
learn from you. It’s important that you demonstrate safe and illegal drugs such as marijuana. Mixing alcohol and drugs
healthy driving behaviours at all times. Don’t drive impaired can be lethal for all road users.

With the number of deaths and serious injuries
caused by impaired drivers down by almost
half in the past year, why is it still important
to remind people not to drive while impaired?

A

llan Lamb, President and COO of the BCAA Road
Safety Foundation says it is because a significant
number of drivers still get behind the wheel of a
vehicle after they’ve become impaired by alcohol or drugs.
“There is an increase in social events at this time of year
and a large number of those driving impaired are coming
from the company of friends, colleagues and family,” stated
Lamb. “It is simply not an option to drive impaired or to
allow someone you know may be impaired to leave your
company and get behind the wheel of a car.”
In 2009, the BCAA Road Safety Foundation helped establish
Alexa’s Team in memory of Alexa Middelaer who was killed
by an impaired driver in May of 2008. Over the past three
years the team has grown to over 400 RCMP and municipal
police officers from all regions of the province.
In November, Premier Christy Clark announced that alcoholrelated motor vehicle deaths had been reduced by 40 per cent
during the one-year period under Canada’s toughest penalties
for impaired driving.
Premier Clark also announced a commitment to help fund
another tool for police, a mobile road safety bus that will
focus on impaired driving education and enforcement.
The BCAA Road Safety Foundation and the Middelaer
family are encouraged by these two announcements and are
pleased that British Columbians are working to save the lives
of their friends, neighbours, co-workers and family members.

OUR HOLIDAY
GIFT TO YOU

Referring to the recent court ruling on the immediate roadside prohibition ruling, Lamb reminds drivers that police are
enforcing impaired driving laws and any driver that blows
over .08 will still face the possibility of charges under the
Criminal Code.

HOLIDAY
GIFT

Here are a few tips from the BCAA Road Safety Foundation
to keep you, your friends and family members safe on the
roads this holiday season:
Plan Your Night Out - Leave the car at home and take public
transit, taxis or arrange for a designated driver service. You
can even call a tow truck to take you and your car home.
If the party is at a friend’s house, plan to spend the night
and drive home the next day after the effects of the alcohol
have worn off.

200

$

service credit

LIMITED TIME
BEFORE XMAS

JOIN TODAY ON ANY REGULAR
UNLIMITED PLAN AND GET
A GIFT FROM WIND.

Be a designated driver – Take turns being the designated
driver - when it’s your turn, stick to beverages without
alcohol.

Help Wanted
General Farm workers required
on berry farm. Duties include
harvesting, cultivation, sorting,
spraying, lifting berry containers,
pruning, tying as well other general
farm work duties. Must be productive.
Should be able to work with farm
machinery and be able to work in
difficult weather condition. 40-70
hrs/week. Up to 14 month term.
Beginning April 15, 2012 $10.25/hr.
Fax resume to 604-850-7612 or mail
to Kahlon Farms Ltd. 262 Columbia
St. Abbotsford, BC V2T 5X6

Help Wanted
General Farm workers required.
Duties include harvesting, cultivation,
planting, spraying, sorting, pruning,
handling fruit containers, tying as
well other general farm work duties.
Must be productive. Work in difficult
weather condition. 40-70 hr/week.
Up to 8 month term. Beginning Feb.
15 , 2012 $9.50/hr. Wage Rate
to be adjusted for minimum wage
increases during work period. Fax
resume to 604-850-7612 or mail to
Kahlon Farms Ltd. 262 Columbia St.
Abbotsford, BC V2T 5X6.

Help Wanted
Local Truck Reapair shop is looking
for a commercial mechanics with at
least 3-5years experience, and will
be paid $15 - $25 / per hour.
For more information,
Call: (604) 625-1133

Farm Workers Wanted
Farm Workers Wanted for P&B
Growers. $9.56 per hour. Must
be hard working and energetic
and willing to work in all weather
conditions. Duties include: planting,
weeding, harvesting and pruning.
50-60 hrs / week starting end of
February.
Fax Resume to 604-852-8812

assport Canada
will start issuing
higher-security
electronic passports, or ePassports, to Canadians next year. With the
ePassport, Canadians will
have the option of getting
a new, security-enhanced
passport that is valid for
five years, starting next
year, or a 10-year passport,
starting in early 2013.

its new fee-for-service
proposal to accompany
the new 10-year ePassport.
Canadians are invited to
have their say on this proposal.

As always, Passport Canada is striving to strike the
best possible balance between security, service and
cost. In fact, the proposed
fee for a 10-year ePassport is actually lower, per
Today, in accordance with year of validity, than the
the User Fees Act, Pass- fee for the current 5-year
port Canada is unveiling passport.

The proposal and all supporting documentation
may be found at www.
passportcanada.gc.ca/consultations.
A Canadian passport is the
only reliable and universally accepted travel and
identification document
available to Canadians
who want to travel abroad.
The more secure ePassport
is a document that benefits
all Canadians by protecting our national security. ■

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he Abbotsford
Kumon Math and
Reading Centre recently honoured its students at Galaxy Bowl.
Students were recognized
for academic and personal
achievements throughout
the year, with the focus
being on students’ dedication to daily practice in the
Kumon programmes.
All of the students from
the centre were invited to
take part in the bowling
event which was followed
by the awards event. Ribbons, medals, trophies, and
plaques were given out to
various students for aca-

Friday, December 16th, 2011



demic success, programme
completion, academic
milestones, perseverance
in doing homework every
day, as well as long-term
commitment.
Following last year’s tradition, students gave back to
the community by bringing
in non-perishable items for
the Abbotsford Food Bank.
“We are so very proud of
how hard our students have
worked and what our students have accomplished,”
said Shirley Tam,instructor
and owner of the Abbotsford Kumon Math and
Reading Centre located on
Trethewey. “When you

think about students being
so dedicated to doing Kumon studies every single
day of the year, or close
to every single day of the
year, you can’t help but admire their tenacity. Many
students do both subjects
which makes it even more
amazing! They are developing excellent study skills
and work habits which will
benefit them in school and
in life.”
More information on the
Kumon programmes and
additional pictures from
both events are available
at www.kumonabbotsfordclearbrook.com.